Sauer and Rusal are to develop aluminium 3D printing

According to the MoU, the two companies will jointly develop a 3D technology for products made of aluminium and aluminium alloys. The technology will be used to print aluminium parts applied by customers in the machinery-producing, aerospace and automotive sectors.

As part of the arrangement, Rusal will develop aluminium alloys for their conversion into powders, which will then be tested and qualified by Sauer equipment. The parties will also perform joint assessments of the quality of aluminium, aluminium alloys and powders produced for 3D printing. On its part, Sauer will provide the necessary equipment as well as supporting the setup of new production and promoting the products made using the new technology among its own customers.

‘The key benefit of 3D printing technology is its ability to make industrial parts of any shape and complexity that cannot be produced using conventional means. With this technology, we can produce unique prototypes over a very short period of time. Also, the technology is practically waste-free. Rusal is very strong in R&D and manufacturing in aluminium powders, and by combining our efforts with DGM MoriI, the largest manufacturer of hybrid 3D additive manufacturing machines in the world, to expand industrial use of the 3D technology, we hope to become a leading global player in this sector, said Alexey Arnautov, Rusal’s Director for New Projects.